The Sun Link Tucson Streetcar is ready to ride!
Here is a quick run-down of facts:
- Connects UA, Main Gate Square, 4th Ave, Downtown & Mercado
- Generated $800M in public & private investment to-date
- 4-mile route
- All-electric, green
- 8 Made in USA streetcars
- Part of regional transit system
- Tucson’s largest construction project to-date
The Sun Link project is part of the voter-approved, $2.1B Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) plan implemented through 2026.
Thanks to Michael Graham for providing answers to all of your pressing questions about the Tucson Streetcar.
How much is it to ride the Tucson Streetcar?
A one day pass for the streetcar will cost $4. The fare system will utilize the SunGO pass that Sun Tran currently uses which is seamless regional transit fare system that allows you ride Sun Link, Sun Tran, and select Sun Shuttle routes.
Is it possible to get a weekly, monthly, or annual pass?
Yes, as stated above Sun Link will utilize the SunGO pass system.
You can buy SunGO products at all streetcar stop vending machines. The easiest way is to buy a 1-Day SunGO Ticket with exact change, Visa, or MasterCard. A 1-Day SunGO Ticket offers unlimited rides on Sun Link, Sun Tran and select Sun Shuttle routes, valid for 24 hours after you first tap.
30-Day SunGO passes are also available.
Be sure to have your SunGO Ticket, SunGO Card, SunGO ID & Card, or SunGO Transfer ready when you board. Note that you CANNOT purchase or pay a fare with cash on board Sun Link. There is no fare box and the operator does not accept fares.
Where can people hop on and off the Tucson Streetcar?
There are 23 stops along the 3.9 mile route that are spaced approximately ¼ to ½ mile apart. See below for a picture of a map that shows the entire route and all of the stops.
Where can people park their cars to get on the Tucson Streetcar?
There are 11,000 parking spaces throughout the route. Please consult the parking map.
How often will the Tucson Streetcar run?
Listed below are the hours of operation and frequency.
- Monday – Wednesday 7 :00am – 6:00pm every 10 minutes; 6:00pm – 10:00pm* every 20 minutes
- Thursday – Friday 7:00am – 6:00pm every 10 minutes; 6:00pm – 10:00pm every 20minutes; 10:00pm – 2:00am* every 30 minutes
- Saturday 8:00am – 10:00pm every 20 minutes; 10:00pm – 2:00am* every 30 minutes
- Sunday 8:00am – 8:00pm* every 20 minutes
*Start time for last trip of the day
Is it possible that the Tucson Streetcar will eventually expand and connect to other parts of Tucson?
In 2009, Pima Association of Governments conducted a High Capacity Transit Study that included three potential extension routes throughout Tucson. There is the potential that the streetcar will expand if the community expresses interest.
Who do you anticipate being the largest audience for the Tucson Streetcar?
There are 100,000 people who work or live within a ¼ mile of the streetcar route so the audience is very widespread. We expect, initially, that the largest audience will be University of Arizona students, faculty and staff.
Why a streetcar instead of a light rail?
Streetcars are designed to utilize the existing lanes of travel and not have to create its own right-of-way. The function well in tight downtown streets and are great for moving people in smaller corridors. Light rail vehicles are more commuter based systems that are designed to move people long distances.
Hope to bump into you on the Tucson Streetcar in the coming year!